Proverbs 23:17
Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 10
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
יְקַנֵּ֣א
envy
H7065
יְקַנֵּ֣א
envy
Strong's:
H7065
Word #:
2 of 10
to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e., (in a bad sense) jealous or envious
לִ֭בְּךָ
Let not thine heart
H3820
לִ֭בְּךָ
Let not thine heart
Strong's:
H3820
Word #:
3 of 10
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 10
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
6 of 10
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
בְּיִרְאַת
but be thou in the fear
H3374
בְּיִרְאַת
but be thou in the fear
Strong's:
H3374
Word #:
7 of 10
fear (also used as infinitive); morally, reverence
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 10
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Proverbs 28:14Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.Acts 9:31Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.Proverbs 15:16Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.2 Corinthians 7:1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.1 Peter 1:17And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:Proverbs 3:31Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.Ecclesiastes 5:7For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.Proverbs 24:1Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them.
Historical Context
Israel constantly faced temptation to envy neighboring nations' prosperity while they suffered. Prophets called them back to covenant faithfulness regardless of circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- When do you envy sinners' prosperity instead of fearing the LORD?
- How can you maintain eternal perspective when the wicked seem to flourish?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Envying sinners betrays spiritual perspective—they may prosper temporarily but face eternal judgment. Instead, fear the LORD continually, focusing on covenant relationship rather than comparative outcomes. This anticipates Psalm 73's resolution of why the wicked prosper while the righteous suffer.